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  • Mother and Child Health – Immunization Program, BPBB, PMJSY, PMMSY, etc.

    Do no harm: conservative, non-surgical approaches advised over hysterectomy for gynecological conditions

    Explained | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    According to the recent report published in Women’s Reproductive Health under the title ‘Reported Reasons for Undergoing Hysterectomy Among Women Aged 45 Years and Above‘, it was seen that data is lacking on women’s health conditions; thus the true magnitude is never known, impeding funding and escaping the attention of policymakers.

    What is Hysterectomy?

    • A hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus. After a hysterectomy, you will not menstruate (have periods) or be able to get pregnant.
    • Uterus removal is a common treatment for a variety of conditions that affect a woman’s reproductive organs.

    Key highlights of the Report:

    Reasons for Undertaking Hysterectomy:

    • Medical Conditions: Common medical reasons such as fibroids, excessive bleeding, prolapse, endometriosis, and cancer.
    • Socioeconomic Factors: Influence of sociodemographic factors like age, education, income, and access to healthcare services.
    • Cultural and Regional Differences: Variations in hysterectomy rates and reasons across different regions and cultural contexts within India.

    Frequency of Hysterectomy:

    • Global Context: Hysterectomy is one of the most frequently performed surgeries among women worldwide.
    • Prevalence in India: The countrywide hysterectomy prevalence rate is 11.5%. The highest prevalence is reported in the southern (18.2%) and western (12.7%) regions of India.
      • According to the NFHS-5 (2019-2021), 3.3% of women aged 15–49 underwent hysterectomy, a slight increase from 3.2% in NFHS-4. Alarmingly, 50% of women who underwent hysterectomy did so before the age of 35.
    • Regional Variations: Andhra Pradesh has the highest prevalence rate at 63 per 1,000 women, followed by Telangana (55 per 1,000), Karnataka (29 per 1,000), and Punjab (23 per 1,000).
    • Sociodemographic Factors: Higher risk of hysterectomy among women from the OBC category, the richest wealth quintile, those with lower education levels, those who married at a younger age, and those with three or more children.

    Most Cited Reasons for Hysterectomy:

    • Primary Reasons: 
        • Heavy Menstrual Bleeding or Pain: Cited by 32.1% of women as the reason for undergoing hysterectomy.
        • Fibroids or Cysts: Cited by 24.2% of women as the reason for the surgery.
        • Uterine Prolapse: Cited by 16.3% of women.
    • Less Frequently Reported Reasons:
        • Cancer: Among the least reported reasons for undergoing a hysterectomy.
        • Severe Post-Partum Hemorrhage is also among the least reported reasons.
    • Sociodemographic Factors: 
      • Higher risk of undergoing hysterectomy among women from the OBC category, the richest wealth quintile, those with lower education levels, those who married at a younger age, and those with three or more children.

    What are the Ministerial guidelines?

    • Hysterectomy is a major surgery with a long recovery time and should be considered only after less invasive treatments have been tried.
    • The government emphasizes on attempting nonsurgical alternatives in elective cases before opting for a hysterectomy.

    Way Forward:

    • Healthcare Providers: Train healthcare providers about the potential overuse of hysterectomy and emphasize the importance of considering nonsurgical alternatives.
    • Public Awareness: Launch awareness campaigns to educate women about gynecological health, the implications of hysterectomy, and available alternatives.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Public health system has limitation in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (UPSC IAS/2015)

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  • Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

    The Battle of Udagai: Cholas vs. Cheras

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Why in the news?

    • The southern part of India historically ruled by the Chera, Chola, and Pandya kings, was known for its great literature, art, culture, and temple architecture.
    • It also witnessed fierce battles among these kingdoms led by Raja Raja I.

    Who was Raja Raja I?

    • His reign marked a golden era for the Chola Empire through extensive military conquests, administrative reforms, and cultural patronage.
    • Ponniyin Selvan (The Son of Ponni) is a Tamil language historical fiction novel with the story of the early days of Prince Raja Raja I (also called Arulmozhivarman).

    Here are detailed facts and key events from the reign of Raja Raja I:

    Background and Ascension to the Throne:

    • Full Name: Arulmozhivarman, popularly known as Raja Raja Chola I.
    • Reign:
      • He reigned from 985 AD to 1014 AD, taking the throne following the death of his father Sundara Chola.
      • He was succeeded by Rajendra I.

    Military Conquests:

    Raja Raja I embarked on several military campaigns that significantly expanded the Chola Empire.

    • He conquered parts of what is now Tamil Nadu, northern parts of Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, consolidating the Chola influence across the region.
    • His most notable military achievement was the conquest of the ancient Chera capital of Mahodayapuram and the invasion of Sri Lanka, where he captured the northern half of the island.
    • Nagapattinam Port was his major naval base.
    • His success allowed his son Rajendra Chola to lead the Chola invasion of Srivijaya (Sumatra) and Kadaram (Malaysia).

    Administrative Reforms:

    • He streamlined the administrative structure of the empire with precise revenue collection and management systems.
    • He implemented a well-organized provincial administration with efficient governance, dividing his empire into various provinces under the control of local governors.

    Cultural Contributions and Temple Building:

    Raja Raja I was a great patron of the arts and architecture. Under his reign, Chola architecture and Tamil literature flourished.

    • Construction of the Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur (Dravidian style).
    • Completed in 1010 AD
    • He also supported the revival of Hinduism and promoted Shaivism, actively endowing temples and supporting the livelihood of the temple priests. He called himself ‘Shivapada Shekhara’.
    • He also allowed for the flourishing of other religious practices for example Vaishnavism and Buddhism.

    Trade and Diplomacy:

    • His reign saw an increase in trade and diplomatic contacts with far-off kingdoms, including those in Southeast Asia.
    • The Chola navy played a crucial role in protecting and enhancing trade routes in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
    • To promote trade, Rajaraja sent the first Chola mission to China.

    About the Battle of Udagai/Udayagiri

    • It occurred in 1003 CE between the Cholas and the Cheras at Udagai, now known as Udayagiri in Kalkulam taluk of Kanniyakumari district, during the reign of Raja Raja I, the greatest of Chola kings.
    • It was the bloodiest war in medieval Indian history, where the Cholas plundered Udagai and returned to their headquarters in Thanjavur with tonnes of gold and the best elephants.
    • The battle began with the conquest of Kanthalur Salai in the Chera Kingdom.
    • The Chola army was led by Raja Raja’s son Rajendra.

    Evidence from Epigraphy

    • The Discovery of a Chola period epigraphy near Chengam suggests that Salai was an army training centre run by the Cheras.
    • The training centre was a challenge to the Cholas.
    • The battle marked the end of the relationship between the Cholas and the Cheras, which had been established through marriages.

    Aftermath of the War

    • The battles terminated the relationship between the Cholas and Cheras during the reign of Rajendra Chola.
    • In 1004 CE, Raja Raja celebrated his birthday grandly in the Chera kingdom, renaming the village Muttam as Mummudi Chola Nalloor.
    • He granted the temple at Thirunanthikarai for a seven-day celebration of his birthday.
    • Subsequently, he returned to Thanjavur with gold, elephants, and cattle.
    • Kamban Manian, a Chola general, brought a Shiva idol made of emerald to Thirupazhanam near Thanjavur, though it is no longer found there.

    PYQ:

    [2020] Consider the following events in the history of India:

    1. Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja.
    2. Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman-I.
    3. Establishment of Chola power by Parantaka-I.
    4. Pala dynasty founded by Gopala.

    What is the correct chronological order of the above events, starting from the earliest time?

    (a) 2 – 1 – 4 – 3

    (b) 3 – 1 – 4 – 2

    (c) 2 – 4 – 1 – 3

    (d) 3 – 4 – 1 – 2

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Scientists document Sperm Whales ‘Phonetic Alphabet’

    Prelims OnlySpecies | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the news?

    • A recent study has uncovered the intricate structure of their communication system, which appears to possess a “phonetic alphabet,” offering new insights into the depth of their social interactions.
      • Sperm whales, the largest toothed whales, utilize a diverse array of vocalizations to communicate, including bursts of clicking noises known as ‘codas’.

    About Sperm Whales (Physeter macrocephalus)).

    • Sperm whales, the largest toothed whales
    • It has a series of vertical creases or wrinkles on its body and a small, inconspicuous dorsal fin located near the rear of its back.
    • The sperm whale uses ‘echolocation’ to navigate and locate prey during these deep dives.
      • Prey: Sperm whales primarily feed on squid (including the giant squid) sharks and deep-sea fish.
      • Habitat: Sperm whales are found in deep oceanic waters worldwide, from the equator to the edges of the pack ice in the Arctic and Antarctic.
      • Behavior: Known for their exceptional diving capabilities, sperm whales can dive to depths of over 2,000 meters (6,560 feet) and stay submerged for up to 90 minutes. They are social animals, typically found in groups called ‘pods’, which can contain up to twenty individuals.
    • Conservation Status: Listed as ‘VULNERABLE’ by the IUCN.
      • Threats cause: Collisions with ships, entanglement in fishing gear, and noise pollution.

    Insights from the Study:

    • Expressivity: The study, which utilized data from Project CETI demonstrated that sperm whale calls exhibit a broader range of expressivity than previously recognized, hinting at a nuanced mode of communication.
    • Social Dynamics: Like all marine mammals, sperm whales rely heavily on vocalizations as an integral aspect of their social interactions.
    • Contextual Analysis: The next phase of research aims to decipher the behavioural context surrounding sperm whale vocalizations, shedding light on their potential meanings.

    About Project CETI (Cetacean Translation Initiative)

    • Project CETI is a non-profit, interdisciplinary scientific and conservation initiative on a mission to listen to and translate the communication of sperm whales off the island of Dominica in the Eastern Caribbean.

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] Consider the following animals

    1. Sea cow
    2. Sea horse
    3. Sea lion

    Which of the above is/are mammal/mammals?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 1 and 3 only

    (c)  2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Land Reforms

    Supreme Court lays out 7 Sub-Rights of Right to Property

    Prelims OnlySC Judgements | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    Why in the news?

    The Supreme Court’s ruling safeguards landowners from arbitrary government acquisition, emphasizing adherence to Article 300A, ensuring the constitutional right to property and sub-rights compliance.

    Procedural Sub-Rights under Right to Property

    These seven rights are foundational components of a law that is in tune with Article 300A, and the absence of one of these or some of them would render the law susceptible to challenge:

    1. Right to Notice: Individuals must be informed about the intention to acquire their property.
    2. Right to Be Heard: Affected individuals have the right to voice objections.
    3. Right to a Reasoned Decision: The government must justify the acquisition with a reasoned decision.
    4. Public Purpose Justification: Acquisitions must serve a demonstrable public purpose.
    5. Right of Restitution or Fair Compensation: Landowners are entitled to fair compensation for their property.
    6. Right to An Efficient and Expeditious Process: Acquisition procedures should be efficient and adhere to set timelines.
    7. Right of Conclusion: The process concludes with the physical transfer of property; failure to take possession renders the acquisition incomplete.

    Back2Basics: Right to Property in India

    • The Right to Property was initially a fundamental right under the Constitution of India, included in Part III (Articles 19 and 31).
    • Through the 44th Amendment Act of 1978, this right was removed from the list of fundamental rights. It was reclassified as a constitutional right under Article 300A.

    About Article 300A:

    • Article 300A was introduced to the Constitution, stating that “No person shall be deprived of his property save by authority of law.”
    • Legal Framework: This implies that the government can still acquire private property, but this acquisition must be done through a law that justifies the acquisition and provides for fair compensation to the affected parties.

    Current Legal Status

    • Not a Fundamental Right: The Right to Property is no longer a fundamental right, which means it cannot be directly enforced through the Supreme Court or High Court under Article 32 or Article 226. However, it remains a constitutional right.
    • Protection under Law: Any person deprived of his property under any state enactment can approach a High Court challenging the legality of the act under Article 300A.
    • Legal Recourse: Affected individuals have the right to legal recourse if they believe that the acquisition was not justified or that the compensation was inadequate.

    Recent Judgment: Human Rights 

    • Case Background: The judgment supported a Calcutta High Court decision that dismissed an appeal by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation regarding the acquisition of private land.
    • Court’s Order: The Corporation was ordered to compensate with ₹5 lakh for costs within 60 days.
    • Human Rights Perspective: The right to property is not only protected as a constitutional right but has also been recognized as a human right by a “Bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and Aravind Kumar”.

    Legal Interpretations and Clarifications

    • Justice Narasimha clarified that the phrase ‘authority of law’ in Article 300A extends beyond the state’s power of eminent domain.
    • It necessitates a proper legal framework for property acquisition.
    • The ruling underscored that mere possession of eminent domain power and the provision of compensation do not justify compulsory acquisition if due processes are not followed.

    PYQ:

    [2021] What is the position of the Right to Property in India?​

    (a) Legal right available to citizens only

    (b) Legal right available to any person

    (c) Fundamental Right available to citizens only

    (d) Neither Fundamental Right nor legal right

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  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    Explained Climate: Heatwaves and Climate Change

    Explained | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News? 

    According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), heatwave conditions are affecting either the smaller regions or the larger geographical areas in India at every 26 days of the month.

    What are the Heat Waves?

    • The “World Meteorological Organization” defines a heat wave as five or more consecutive days during which the daily maximum temperature exceeds the average maximum temperature by five degrees Celsius.
    • If the maximum temperature of any place continues to be more than 45 Degree Celsius consecutively for two days, it is called a heat wave condition.

    Heatwaves in India:       

    • Regional Observations: A place with a normal temperature of 40°C in summer is not experiencing a heatwave at 42-43°C, but another location with a normal temperature of 27-28°C is in a heatwave at 35°C.
      • Heatwaves are common in northern, central, and eastern India during summer. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent, intense, and prolonged due to climate change.
      • In February 2023 (winter month for India), several regions experienced heatwaves with maximum temperatures 5 to 11 degrees higher than normal. (with a mean temperature 1.36°C higher than normal)
    • Predictions and Records: The outlook for heatwaves this year is grim, with predictions of prolonged heatwaves lasting 10 to 20 days in some areas, compared to the usual 4 to 8 days.
      • In April 2023, Odisha experienced an 18-day heatwave, the second-longest in the state’s history.
      • Gangetic West Bengal recorded the highest number of heatwave days in any month over the last 15 years. Eastern India recorded its warmest April ever.
    • Upcoming Heatwave: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted a fresh spell of heatwaves starting over northwest India.

    Impact of Heatwaves:

    • Impact on Resource Availability:
      • Water Resources: It exacerbates water scarcity by drying up of water bodies, reducing water availability for agriculture and domestic use, and increasing competition for resources. This can lead to conflicts over water, affect irrigation practices, and impact water-dependent industries.
      • Energy Resources: It increases electricity demand for cooling purposes, leading to strain on power grids and potential blackouts. This can disrupt economic activities, affect productivity, and impact vulnerable populations.
    • Impact on Health:
      • Prolonged exposure to heat can lead to Dehydration and Cardiovascular and Respiratory diseases.
      • Rapid rises in heat gain can compromise the body’s ability to regulate temperature and can result in a cascade of illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and hyperthermia.
      • Health Ministry reported 264 heat-related deaths in the first six months of 2023. NCRB reported 730 heat-related deaths in the same year.

    However, data collected and maintained by IMD and NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) showed a sharp decline in heat-related deaths ever since state governments and district administrations began implementing heat action plans.

    Mitigation of Heatwaves:

    • Need to establish an Early Warning System: The Inter-Agency Coordination needs to alert residents on predicted high and extreme temperatures. Who will do what, when, and how is made clear to individuals and units of key departments, especially for health.
    • Increase Public Awareness and Community Outreach: Disseminating public awareness messages on how to protect against the extreme heat – wave through social media and advertisements. Additionally, the government needs to aware the general public through Television programs the Do’s and Dont’s for heat-related illnesses.

    Conclusion: Need to improve collaboration with Non-governmental organizations and Civil society organizations to improve public spaces wherever necessary, improve water delivery systems in public areas, and other innovative measures to tackle heatwave conditions.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q ‘Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC IAS/2017)

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  • Manipur Crisis

    Manipur accounted for 97% of displacements in South Asia   

    Explained | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Linkages Between Development & Spread Of Extremism

    Why in the News?

    The report by the Geneva-based Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) termed it the highest number of displacements in India triggered due to the conflict and violence in India since 2018.

    Key highlights on Internal Displacement in India (2009-2023):

    • The above image shows the Internally Displaced People (IDP) currently living in India.
      • This term focuses on the individuals who have been displaced till the end of every year. At the end of 2023, there were 0.61 million such persons in India.
    • Globally, India was among the top five countries with the highest number of new internal displacements in 2022 due to disasters, with 2.5 million displacements.
    • Causes:
      • Natural: In 2023, India experienced over half a million internal displacements due to floods, storms, earthquakes, and other disasters.
      • Artificial: Over the past five years (2009-2023), the number of internally displaced people resulting from regional conflict and land disputes has increased by 22.6 million, with the two biggest increases in 2022 and 2023.
      • Over 1/3rd of the displacements took place within Manipur, with almost a fifth moving to the neighboring state of Mizoram and smaller numbers to Nagaland and Assam.

    Regional Scenario (2009-2023):

    • In 2023, conflict and violence triggered 69,000 displacements in South Asia, with Manipur violence alone accounting for 67,000, the highest number since 2018.
    • The violence erupted after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organized in Manipur’s hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
    • This led to ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities even in bordering areas of Myanmar and Bangladesh.

    Global Scenario (2009-2023):

    • The number of IDPs has grown by 50% in the last five years. The report said that 68.3 million people worldwide were displaced by conflict and violence as of 2023.
    • By the end of 2022, at least 8.7 million people in 88 countries and territories were internally displaced by disasters, with India being one of them.
    • Conflicts in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Palestine accounted for nearly two-thirds of new conflict movements in 2023
    • 3.4 million new movements in the Gaza Strip in the last quarter of 2023, leaving 1.7 million internally displaced by the end of the year.

    Way Forward: 

    • Dialogue and Mediation: Facilitate dialogue between conflicting communities, such as the Meitei and Kuki, to address underlying issues like land disputes.
    • Legal Framework: Strengthen legal frameworks to protect minority rights and address grievances that may lead to violence.
    • Peacebuilding Initiatives: Implement peacebuilding programs that promote social cohesion and understanding among different ethnic and community groups.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q How far are India’s internal security challenges linked with border management particularly in view of the long porous borders with most countries of South Asia and Myanmar? (UPSC IAS/2013)

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  • Waste Management – SWM Rules, EWM Rules, etc

    On Delhi’s mounting Waste Crisis | Explained

    Explained | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News? 

    On May 13, the Supreme Court stated that addressing the “horrible” issue of 3,800 metric tonnes of untreated Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) accumulating daily in the national capital requires moving beyond party politics.

    What is the status of Delhi’s SWM system?

    • Population Growth and Waste Generation:
      • According to the 2011 Census Data, New Delhi’s population was approximately 1.7 crore. However, this Population is expected to increase to around 2.32 crore.
      • This increase will lead to a significant rise in waste generation, estimated at approximately 13,000 tonnes per day (TPD), which equates to roughly 1,400 truckloads daily.
      • Presently, this daily waste generation accumulates to about 42 lakh tonnes per annum. The population is anticipated to reach 2.85 crore by 2031 due to which the waste generation could increase to 17,000 TPD.
    • Waste Collection: Around 90% of the waste generated in the city is collected by three municipal corporations:
    • Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)
    • Delhi Cantonment Board
    • New Delhi Municipal Corporation
    • Waste Composition is of major types – Biodegradable Wet Waste (50-55%), Non-Biodegradable Dry Waste (around 35%), and Inert Waste (10% that does not decompose). The total collective capacity of these facilities is about 9,200 tonnes per day (TPD).

    Issue of Unprocessed Waste Disposal: 

    • The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is disposing of 3,800 TPD of unprocessed waste in landfills.
    • Designated Landfills (Gazipur, Bhalswa, and Okhla) are filled with unprocessed wet and dry waste, leading to significant environmental issues such as methane gas emissions, leachate production, and landfill fires.
    • The landfills have accumulated a total of 2.58 crore tonnes of legacy waste, covering 200 acres of land.

    What are the challenges faced by MCD?

    • Lack of Waste Segregation at Source: Many households and commercial establishments do not segregate waste. Unprocessed mixed waste enters landfills as a result.
    • Land Availability for Waste Processing Plants: Waste processing plants require large land parcels (30-40 acres each). Securing such large tracts of land is challenging in Delhi.
    • Public Awareness and Practices: There is a lack of public awareness regarding proper waste management practices. This leads to littering and improper disposal habits. MCD’s focus shifts to clearing open points rather than processing wet waste.
    • Inadequate Waste Collection Services: Some areas suffer from irregular waste collection services. This contributes to waste buildup and increased littering.
    • Illegal Dumping: Waste is often illegally dumped in open areas and water bodies. This increases the pressure on the MCD and requires additional resources for cleanup.

    What efforts need to be made by MCD?

    • Need for a Decentralized Approach: Given the challenges of identifying large land parcels, Delhi will need to partner with its neighboring States to set up a few of these composting plants.
      • Additionally, the market for organic compost produced from wet waste lies in the neighboring States of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
    • Need to work on Biodegradable Wet Waste: The design capacity for wet waste processing should be 9,000 TPD. This would require at least 18 composting or biogas plants (assuming each plant has a capacity of 500 TPD).
      • Significant efforts will be needed to identify land, establish composting facilities, and ensure their proper operation to prevent biodegradable waste from reaching landfills.
    • Need to work on Non-Biodegradable Dry Waste: Approximately 2% of dry waste is recyclable and should be sent to recycling facilities. The remaining 33% of non-recyclable dry waste (plastics, paper, textile waste) can be used as RDF for power generation in waste-to-energy projects.
    • Coordination Among Stakeholders: Improved coordination between various Municipal Corporations to streamline waste collection and segregation processes by collaborating with private companies and non-governmental organizations is needed to enhance waste segregation and processing efforts.

    Conclusion: Already, Biomining Initiative was launched in 2019 by the MCD to reduce the amount of waste. The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted these efforts. Originally planned for completion by 2024, now expected to take an additional two to three years.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (UPSC IAS/2018)

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  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Breakthrough

    [pib] Sangam: Digital Twin Initiative enters Stage I

    PIB | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the news?

    The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has unveiled the selected participants for Stage I of the ‘Sangam: Digital Twin with AI-Driven Insights Initiative’.

    What is Digital Twin Technology?

    • A digital twin is a digital representation of a physical object, person, or process, contextualized in a digital version of its environment.
    • Digital twins can help an organization simulate real-time situations and their outcomes, ultimately allowing it to make better decisions.

    About Sangam: Digital Twin Initiative

    • Launched in February 2024, it aligns with the past decade’s technological advancements in communication, computation, and sensing, in line with the vision for 2047.
    • Department of Telecommunications (DoT) will begin this with a campaign to engage potential participants, including industry experts, academia, and other relevant stakeholders to spread awareness and interest wide.
    • It is a Two-stage Initiative: It will be distributed in two stages, and conducted in one of India’s major cities.
      1. First Stage: An exploratory phase focusing on clarifying horizons and creative exploration to unleash potential.
      2. Second Stage: A practical demonstration of specific use cases, generating a future blueprint for collaboration and scaling successful strategies in future infrastructure projects.
    • Objectives:
      1. To demonstrate practical implementation of innovative infrastructure planning solutions.
      2. To develop a Model Framework for facilitating faster and more effective collaboration.
      3. To provide a future blueprint for scaling and replicating successful strategies in future infrastructure projects.

    Features: It represents a collaborative leap towards reshaping infrastructure planning and design.

    • It integrates 5G, IoT, AI, AR/VR, AI native 6G, Digital Twin, and next-gen computational technologies, fostering collaboration among public entities, infrastructure planners, tech giants, startups, and academia.
    • Sangam brings all stakeholders together, aiming to translate innovative ideas into tangible solutions, bridging the gap between conceptualization and realization, and paving the way for groundbreaking infrastructure advancements.

    PYQ:

    [2020] In India, the term “Public Key Infrastructure” is used in the context of:

    (a) Digital security infrastructure

    (b) Food security infrastructure

    (c) Health care and education infrastructure

    (d) Telecommunication and transportation infrastructure

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  • Air Pollution

    [pib] Sub-Committee for GRAP reviews the Air Quality scenario in New Delhi

    PIB | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    • Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) registered at 243, falling under the ‘Poor’ category, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
      • In response to this, the Sub-Committee under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM) convened to assess the situation and strategize under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

    About Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)

    • The GRAP was conceived as a response to the alarming findings of a WHO study in 2014, which ranked Delhi as the most polluted city globally.
    • It is a framework designed to combat air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region.
    • The Supreme Court (M. C. Mehta vs. Union of India Case, 2016) approved GRAP after multiple expert consultations.
    • First GRAP was notified in January 2017 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

    Implementation of GRAP:

    • The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM) took over the responsibility of implementing GRAP in 2021.
    • Before 2021, the SC appointed Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) would instruct states to enforce GRAP measures.
    • The CAQM recommendations depend on the Air Quality Index (AQI) and meteorological predictions provided by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

    Revised measures to implement:

    Air Quality Stage AQI Range Measures to be implemented
    Stage I (Poor) 201-300 Enforce NGT/Supreme Court’s order on over-aged diesel/petrol vehicles.
    Stage II (Very Poor) 301-400 Implement rigorous actions to combat air pollution at identified hotspots.
    Stage III (Severe) 401-450 Impose strict restrictions on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles. Suspend physical classes in schools for primary grade children up to Class 5 in certain areas.
    Stage IV (Severe Plus) >450 Prohibit the entry of four-wheelers registered outside Delhi, except for electric vehicles, CNG vehicles, and BS-VI diesel vehicles.

     

    Current Air Quality Scenario: Factors Contributing 

    • The GRAP sub-committee noted the following natural causes exacerbating dust suspension across the National Capital Region (NCR):
    1. Fluctuating wind patterns,
    2. Higher convection rates, and
    3. Arid weather conditions.
    • Additionally, increased instances of agricultural residue burning and forest fires in neighboring states were identified as potential contributors to deteriorating air quality.

    Action Plan suggested by GRAP Sub-Committee

    • Intensive Drives at Pollution Hotspots: The concerned Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) and NCR committees were tasked with conducting rigorous inspections at major pollution hotspots, prioritizing dust abatement measures.
    • Enhanced Dust Control Measures: Measures such as increased deployment of water sprinklers and mechanical road sweeping equipment were recommended to mitigate dust levels.
    • Preventing Open Burning: Vigilance against instances of open burning, including municipal solid waste (MSW) and agricultural residue, was emphasized to curb further pollution.
    • Strict Enforcement: Dust Control & Management Cells (DCMCs) and enforcement teams were instructed to intensify monitoring and enforcement efforts at construction sites and road projects.
    • Inspections and Compliance: Flying Squads of CPCB were directed to conduct thorough inspections and take appropriate action against violators of environmental regulations.

    PYQ:

    [2016] In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index?

    1. Carbon dioxide

    2. Carbon monoxide

    3. Nitrogen dioxide

    4. Sulphur dioxide

    5. Methane

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (b) 2, 3 and 4 only

    (c) 1, 4 and 5 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

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  • Capital Markets: Challenges and Developments

    Regulatory Challenges in Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs)

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Investment Models

    Why in the News?

    In response to tightening regulations impacting operations, the RBI has recommended that investments exceeding 50% of Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) units by a person resident outside India be treated as Indirect Foreign Investment.

    BACK2BASICS:

    What are Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs)?

    • An Alternative Investment Fund or AIF is any fund established or incorporated in India that is a privately pooled investment vehicle that collects funds from sophisticated investors, for investing by a defined investment policy for the benefit of its investors.
    • AIFs are regulated by the SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India).
    • As per the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012, an AIF can be set up as a trust, a company, a limited liability partnership, or a corporate body.

    Who can invest in an AIF?

    • Indian Residents, NRIs (Non-Resident of India), and foreign nationals are eligible to invest in these funds.
    • Joint investors can also invest in AIF. They can be spouse, parents, or children of investors.
    • The minimum investment amount for investors is Rs1 crore for investors. For directors, employees, and fund managers, this limit is Rs 25 lakh.
    • Most AIFs come with a minimum lock-in period of three years.
    • The maximum number of investors in every scheme is capped at 1,000. However, in the case of angel fund, the cap is 49.

    Categories of an applicant who can seek registration as an AIF:

    • Category I and II AIFs are required to be close-ended and have a minimum tenure of three years. Category III AIFs may be open-ended or close-ended.

    Note: Investment by an Indian company (which is owned or controlled by foreigners) into another Indian entity is considered as Indirect Foreign Investment (IFI). It is also known as downstream investment.

    Present Regulatory Landscape:

    • Regulatory Ambiguity: Recent regulatory notes have instilled mistrust in the industry, particularly regarding Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy surrounding AIFs, spooking investors and prompting reconsideration of fund deployment strategies.
    • Changing Stance: The regulatory stance has evolved, with amendments in 2015-16 allowing AIFs to attract foreign capital through the automatic route, promoting onshore management and incentivizing Indian fund managers to relocate to India.

    Offshore Alternatives:

    • Reason for Offshoring: Offshore funds benefit from a more stable regulatory environment, with considerations for tax implications necessitating careful structuring.
    • Attractive Destination: Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) has emerged as an attractive alternative for managers due to regulatory stability, tax incentives, and proximity to India.

    PYQ:

    [2020] With reference to Foreign Direct Investment in India, which one of the following is considered its major characteristic?

    (a) It is the investment through capital instruments essentially in a listed company.

    (b) It is a largely non-debt-creating capital flow.

    (c) It is the investment which involves debt-servicing.

    (d) It is the investment foreign institutional investors make in Government securities.

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